As a business owner, you may have already suffered from the elevated costs and lost time caused by the complexities and challenges in manually managing your accounts payable (AP). However, be ready for the change you didn’t know you needed with the advent of AP automation tools. 

Companies can now deploy cutting-edge AP automated tools to streamline their AP processes, minimize errors, and improve overall efficiency like never before. To help businesses quickly achieve this, we will discuss the 10 best AP automation tools for 2023, highlighting their features, benefits, and what sets them apart from the competition. Hopefully, by the end of this comprehensive guide, you will be able to make an informed decision about the future of your AP systems.

Introduction to AP Automation Tools,

However, before we dive into the most capable software on the market, let us first answer the fundamental questions you need to know the answer to before you can choose a capable AP automation tool:

What are AP Automation Tools?

AP automation tools are software solutions designed to streamline and automate the management of accounts payable processes. These tools help businesses efficiently handle invoice capture, approval workflows, payment processing, and reporting. By automating repetitive tasks and reducing manual intervention, AP automation tools can save time and resources, improve accuracy, and enhance overall financial management.

Why Use AP Automation Tools?

There are several benefits to using AP automation tools, including

Reduced manual effort: Automation minimizes the need for manual data entry and tedious tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and value-added activities. Imagine the wonders you could achieve when your employees are not stretched thin due to redundant AP tasks.Improved accuracy: Automated processes reduce the likelihood of human errors, such as duplicate payments or missed deadlines, ensuring greater accuracy in financial transactions. Human errors and their subsequent rectification significantly cause time wasted and inflated costs. You will dramatically reduce such inaccuracies with improved accuracy and conserve some of your much-needed resources.Enhanced visibility: AP automation tools offer centralized access to financial data, enabling better tracking, reporting, and overall financial management. With a clear overview of your AP performance and financial data, you can always stay up-to-date on what is going on. When a problem does occur, you will always have the information at your fingertips to swiftly take corrective measures.Increased security: Many AP automation tools provide robust security features, such as role-based access controls and audit trails, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and protecting sensitive financial data.Cost savings: Efficient AP processes can reduce processing costs and potential early supplier payment discounts.

Key Features of AP Automation Tools

When evaluating AP automation tools, consider the following essential features:

Invoice capture and processing: The ability to automatically capture and digitize invoice data from various sources, such as emails, scans, or electronic formats.

Approval workflows: Customizable workflows streamline the invoice approval process and route invoices to the appropriate approvers based on predefined rules. Payment processing: Support for various payment methods, such as ACH, wire transfers, and credit card payments, allowing businesses to process payments to suppliers efficiently.Integration capabilities: Seamless integration with existing accounting, ERP, or other financial systems to ensure smooth data flow and minimize manual data entry.Reporting and analytics: Comprehensive reporting and analytics features offer insights into AP performance, facilitating better decision-making and process optimization.Scalability: The ability to grow with your business, accommodating increasing volumes of invoices and transactions without sacrificing performance or efficiency.

Top 10 AP Automation Tools for 2023

In no particular order, here are the top 10 AP automation tools to consider for 2023:

  1. Zapro AI
  2. Bill.com
  3. Tipalti
  4. SAP Concur
  5. AvidXchange
  6. Coupa
  7. Beanworks
  8. Stampli
  9. Basware
  10. Sage Intacct

1. Zapro AI

Additional Information: 

Zapro AI is the world’s first AI-powered AP automation solution that offers end-to-end software capabilities that other tools currently do not offer. The out-of-the-box procure-to-pay functionality helps with touchless invoicing and provides 100% automation possibilities.

Zapro AI’s main features include:

  • AI-powered invoice capture and processing
  • Seamless integration with existing financial systems
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics
  • Scalable solution for businesses of all sizes

What sets Zapro AI apart from other AP automation tools is its AI-driven approach to invoice processing and touchless invoicing. The platform leverages machine learning algorithms to automatically capture invoice data, flag discrepancies, and streamline approval processes. This results in improved accuracy, reduced manual effort, and enhanced efficiency in managing accounts payable.

2. Bill.com

Bill.com is a popular AP automation tool designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including:

  • Automated invoice capture and data entry
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Support for various payment methods
  • Integration with popular accounting software
  • Robust reporting and analytics

Bill.com’s user-friendly interface and extensive integration capabilities make it a preferred choice for many businesses looking to streamline their AP processes.

3. Tipalti

Tipalti is a cloud-based AP automation tool that offers a range of features to optimize accounts payable management. Its key features include:

  • Automated invoice capture and approval workflows
  • Support for multiple payment methods and currencies
  • Global tax compliance and regulatory support
  • Integration with leading ERP and accounting systems
  • Advanced reporting and analytics

Tipalti’s focus on global payment processing and tax compliance sets it apart from other AP automation tools, making it an ideal choice for businesses with international operations.

4. SAP Concur

SAP Concur is a comprehensive AP automation tool that offers a wide range of features to help businesses manage their accounts payable processes more effectively. Some of its key features include:

  • Automated invoice capture and data entry
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Payment processing and reconciliation
  • Seamless integration with SAP and other ERP systems
  • Advanced reporting and analytics

SAP Concur’s robust integration capabilities, particularly with other SAP products, make it an attractive choice for businesses using SAP for their accounting or ERP needs.

5. AvidXchange

AvidXchange is an AP automation tool offering various features to help businesses streamline their accounts payable processes. Key features include:

  • Automated invoice capture and processing
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Support for various payment methods
  • Integration with popular accounting software
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics

AvidXchange’s user-friendly interface and extensive features make it an excellent option for businesses looking to improve their AP processes.

6. Coupa

Coupa is a cloud-based AP automation tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features to help businesses optimize their accounts payable processes. Some of its key features include:

  • Automated invoice capture and processing
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Payment processing and reconciliation
  • Seamless integration with existing financial systems
  • Advanced reporting and analytics

Coupa’s focus on usability and scalability makes it an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes looking to streamline their AP processes.

7. Beanworks

Beanworks is an AP automation tool designed to help businesses automate their accounts payable processes. Its key features include:

  • Automated invoice capture and data entry
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Support for various payment methods
  • Integration with popular accounting software
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics

Beanworks’ user-friendly interface and robust feature set make it an excellent option for businesses looking to improve their AP processes.

8. Stampli

Stampli is an AP automation tool offering various features to help businesses streamline their accounts payable processes. Key features include:

  • AI-powered invoice capture and processing
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Support for various payment methods
  • Integration with popular accounting software
  • Advanced reporting and analytics

Stampli’s AI-driven approach to invoice processing sets it apart from other AP automation tools, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to improve accuracy and efficiency in their AP processes.

9. Basware

Basware is an AP automation tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features to help businesses optimize their accounts payable processes. Some of its key features include:

  • Automated invoice capture and processing
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Support for various payment methods
  • Seamless integration with existing financial systems
  • Advanced reporting and analytics

Basware’s focus on process optimization and extensive feature set make it attractive for businesses looking to streamline their AP processes.

10. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is an AP automation tool designed to help businesses streamline their accounts payable processes. Its key features include:

  • Automated invoice capture and data entry
  • Customizable approval workflows
  • Support for various payment methods
  • Integration with popular accounting software
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics

Sage Intacct’s user-friendly interface and extensive integration capabilities make it an excellent option for businesses looking to improve their AP processes.

Choosing the Right AP Automation Tool for Your Business

Selecting the right AP automation tool depends on your needs, existing financial systems, and overall business goals. When evaluating different AP automation tools, consider the following factors:

Feature set: Ensure the tool offers the essential features and functionalities to streamline your AP processes effectively.Integration capabilities: The tool should seamlessly integrate with your existing accounting, ERP, or financial systems to ensure smooth data flow and minimize manual data entry.Scalability: The chosen solution should be able to grow with your business, accommodating increasing volumes of invoices and transactions without sacrificing performance or efficiency.Cost: Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, and support fees, to ensure the chosen tool aligns with your budget.Customer support: Ensure the vendor offers responsive customer support to address potential issues or concerns arising during implementation or ongoing use.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right AP automation tool that meets your business’s unique needs and requirements.

About Zapro

With Zapro, you get a powerful toolkit to streamline your Procure to Pay processes. Our features include Automated Procurement, AP Automation, Sourcing, Contracts, Travel and expense Management, Integrations, Compliance, Reports and analytics, Support offerings, and Data Insights. We simplify operations, boost efficiency, ensure compliance, provide valuable analytics, and offer comprehensive support, empowering your business to achieve the best procurement outcomes.